http://pistol-training.com/archives/5586

http://pistol-training.com/archives/5847

Todd at pistol-training.com is starting an interesting discussion about rotating carry guns.

I carry 3 different guns: my M&P, my Kahr PM9 and my Sig P238. The reason for this is that: My M&P is not concealable enough for most of my daily outfits, so it gets open carried at work, a lot of the items I want to review are not available for my P238 and I LOVE MY P238.

That being said, I think Todd makes a very good point, it's important for people to have one firearm with which they are comfortable to carry with. Carrying is not about personal enjoyment, it's about personal protection. His best quote is at the end of the second article: "f your weapon selection is based on something other than objective factors like concealability, reliability, and shootability then you’re doing it wrong."

Yes, my P238 is pretty and I love it for that, but it's also concealable, reliable and shootable. I am comfortable with the gun, I can hide it in any outfit, I can hit with it even under stress, it has night sights and I can draw it wicked quick from an appendix rig. Those objective factors take precedence over "it's pretty" as they should.

Anyway, I guess I'm curious to see everyone's thoughts on "carry gun rotation" and Todd's point in general.

Being that colder weather is out now, I am carrying the P229 on my hip and the S&W 640 in my front pocket. From time to time I will carry just the 640 if I am wearing less clothing or if I don't feel like strapping on a holster.
I would not call it a "rotation". I don't have it on a set schedule. Like wearing the Sig on every second Tuesday and the 640 only after the full moon. Some days, if I don't feel well I may just toss the 640 in my pocket. Or perhaps I will wear it IWB. Sometimes, depending on how I dress, I may only carry the Sig.
Both firearms are equal in their utility, reliable, easy to shoot and for me, accurate. The Sig is slightly more of a pain to carry since I carry OWB and have to fiddle with my belt to take it on and off. The 640 is "easier" to carry since I can just toss it in a pocket holster, stuff it in my pocket and away I go.
Again, I wouldn't say I "rotate" guns or that I "rest" my guns. There are just times where given where I am going and what I am wearing, a full size firearm is too bulky.

I'm in a similar configuration. I can eat, sleep, lounge, play and do just about anything under the sun with my PM9 in a crossbread. I'm not a fan of the lack of capacity but it is my "GoTo" gun for any situation. I often open carry my G21 or G34 though. Not practical to change the oil in my truck but I wear them often while away from the house. I do this because I carry ~45-57 rounds and never want to be in a situation where I never have enough rounds. I also put a few(4) happy sticks in the truck.
I have carried my G34 in a IWB holster and it fits just fine. I have no complaints. So it really comes down to weather, clothing and situation that dictates what pistol I carry. All get used at one time or another during the year. All get shot at least every 3 months and all are practical for me to carry.
The 3 criteria listed are a given in my book.

i'm surprised you guys carry so often that you actually rotate! I barely carry week days since my work doesn't allow it. it was hard not carrying after the army but you kinda get use to the civilian world and adapt. now i just carry a Dorcy LED pen

Consistency is key to me. I dont stray far from my G26 anymore......I used to change up between the 26 IWB in the summer, 92FS in the winter, and the occasional coat pocket carry of a 642 if time didnt permit getting holstered up. Now I just use the 26 year round.



I carry everyday every where (even the house) with the exception of work and sleep......work has rules against it. A wise man once told me that the safest place for a gun in the house is in your safe, the best place for a loaded gun in the house is on your hip.

I carry everywhere I am legally allow to (per rcw).

I rotate between my XD9sc and my XD45 service.

I don't "rotate", I merely carry the one I want to on a given day. I only own pistols that I am comfortable with and consider myself to be proficient with. I practice with them frequently as well.

I guess retirement does have its advantages

i dont rotate as well simply for the reason, same gun, same place everyday. if you are practicing drawing from the holster with a particular gun and you end up changing it, its not going to be the same if you have to draw it. its about muscle memory and if you change up what your muscles are use to doing, they wont respond the way you want them to.

i also carry a glock 21sf in a serpa holster and dont OC. hows that for concealability?

Good thread, Shelley.

I agree with Todd. Yes, I love the idea of strapping on whatever pistol strikes my fancy each morning; it's kind of a fun and romantic notion. But the bottom line is utility -- not just about hitting your target (the bad guy) but also NOT hitting innocent bystanders. I think we have a responsibility, within reason, to carry the gun which we can shoot well.

Most of the time I carry an XD9sc (13+1) plus an extra mag that holds 17:



There are times when it's not practical to carry the XD, and I switch to a P238 in a pocket holster.

My every day carry gun is the exact same one I use in defensive firearms classes, USPSA and IDPA competitions, a Springfield XD-9 Service 4" barrel.

In classes and competitions I use a Blade Tech OWB and on the street I use either a Kramer OWB or a Kramer IWB #3.

I like using the same gun for competition and carry. Sometimes I can even hit what I shoot at!!

Damon, the REAL question is . . . do you keep the hatcam running all the time too?

If you ever have to use your carry gun, are we going to get the tape from four different angles??

Of course!!

I think as long as the weapon operates the same, switching isn't a bad thing. Safety? No safety? Switching back and forth could be bad.

I have several handguns, but my daily carry is a RIA full size in 38 Super. I do not worry about printing nor do I worry about the possible LEO encounter. This a firearm that I know, trust and can handle with proficiency.



and my daily carry, 25yds